Code Library › Volume 1 › Section 3.2 — Building Fire Safety
PART 3 — FIRE PROTECTION, OCCUPANT SAFETY AND ACCESSIBILITYUpdated for the 2024 Ontario Building Code

3.2.3.9.Protection of Structural Members

r1 (1) Structural members, including beams, columns and arches, placed wholly or partly outside the exterior face of a building and are less than 3 m from the property line or the centre line of a public thoroughfare shall be protected from exterior fire exposure by fire protection having a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for their protection from interior fire exposure, as stated in Articles 3.2.2.20. to 3.2.2.93., but not less than 1 h. (2) Structural members of heavy timber construction, including beams, columns and arches, that are placed wholly or partly outside an exterior face of a building and are 3 m or more from the property line or the centre line of a public thoroughfare need not be covered with noncombustible cladding.
← Previous3.2.3.8. Protection of Exterior Building FaceNext →3.2.3.10. Unlimited Unprotected Openings

Common questions about this part of the code

When is noncombustible construction required under the Ontario Building Code?When are automatic sprinklers required in a building in Ontario?What are the fire department access route requirements under the Ontario Building Code?When is a fire alarm system required in a building in Ontario?

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Code text is reproduced for reference from the Ontario Building Code (O. Reg. 163/24, 2024 Building Code Compendium). This page is provided for general information and is not an official copy. Always verify requirements against the official Ontario Building Code and confirm with your local building department.